Southern California -- this just in

Man charged in torching of homeless woman pleads not guilty

December 31, 2012 | 4:49
pm

A man suspected of setting a homeless woman on fire in Van
Nuys pleaded not guilty Monday after being arraigned on charges of attempted murder and mayhem, a prosecutor said.

Dennis Petillo, 24, of Van Nuys is accused of dousing the homeless woman
with rubbing alcohol while she slept on a bus bench and setting her ablaze
early Thursday near Van Nuys Boulevard and Sherman Way.

Police have not released the victim’s name, but residents said she is
Flo Parker, 67, also known as Violet. The 5-foot-tall Parker was a familiar presence in the area.

The victim remains hospitalized
in critical but stable condition, according to a statement released by the
Los Angeles County district attorney's office.

Authorities believe Petillo is mentally ill and said there appeared to be no
motive in the “horrific” attack. Since 2008, Petillo has twice pleaded guilty to charges related to vehicle theft. The second time, he was sentenced to two
years in prison.

If convicted, Petillo faces a maximum sentence of life in
prison, prosecutors said. Deputy
Dist. Atty. Sean Carney said Petillo’s next hearing will be in mid-January.

Photo: Phillip Furtado, 48, lights a candle to pay his respects
for a homeless woman who was set on fire while sleeping on a bus stop
bench Thursday morning in Van Nuys. Credit: Irfan Khan / Los Angeles
Times